COLOR CODE

Approximately 8% of men experience “color blindness” while the condition only affects about 0.5% of women. The basis for this disparity rests with genetics. If an X chromosome lacking the capacity for color vision is passed to a female, her second X chromosome will cancel out the color-blind trait (assuming that a woman’s second X chromosome is not also defective). If a male receives a defective X chromosome (from his mother), the Y chromosome from his father cannot correct it. In any case, the inability to see any color (other than gray) is very rare. Common red-green colorblindness usually only involves confusing the two colors. While there is no treatment, most color-deficient individuals learn to compensate. Color blindness is typically inherited and means that you have trouble seeing red, green, or blue or a mix of these colors. Color blindness does not affect visual acuity (the ability to see images sharply). Color blindness is typically inherited and means that you have trouble seeing red, green, or blue or a mix of these colors.